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BEAUTY AT HOME WITH | Tessa James, Creative Director, media personality, and mother of four
BEAUTY AT HOME WITH
Tessa James, Creative Director, media personality, and mother of four
Nestled in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, Creative Director, media personality, and mother of four, Tessa James has created a home that balances calm with character. For Tessa, the beauty of home lies in the feeling her space holds; the scent of home and the texture of everyday life. Her approach to design is grounded in simplicity and balance, where pared-back architecture sets the tone, and thoughtful personal touches infuse warmth and meaning into the space. From the laughter of her children echoing down the hallway to her cherished vintage Tachani sofa, Tessa’s home is a reflection of mindful design and the quiet magic of family life.
What does the beauty of home mean to you?
It’s the feeling a space holds: the memories we create as a family, the familiar scents and textures, the way light shifts through a room at different times of day. I’m drawn to texture, scent, and balance, so I love shaping spaces that feel calm and safe for us, wherever we are. The sound of our kids’ laughter echoing through the home is something truly special.
Is there a piece of furniture, art or decor in your home that feels like an extension of your personality?
The kids’ artwork adds so much joy and character, it makes the house feel alive and lived in. The vintage Tacchini Sesann sofa by the front door is a favourite; it has a timeless quality I connect with. The terrazzo it sits on is also special, reminding me of being in Milan.
What element in your home inspires you most for creativity, relaxation, or connection?
The upstairs main bedroom is light-filled and pared back, with soft, neutral tones. The simplicity of the palette and textures creates a sense of calm, offering clarity and space to think and reset.
What is your favourite memory in your home and why?
When everyone is together, with my parents, my sister and her family, and our children all under one roof, the space fills with laughter, energy, and a little chaos. Those moments remind me that home is built on connection more than anything else.
How do you blend architecture and interior design to reflect your style?
Architecture sets the rhythm and flow of a home. My approach is minimal, with furniture and objects acting as quiet layers that add texture, warmth, and personality without overpowering the structure or its heritage. It’s about restraint, allowing both the architecture and the life lived within it to take centre stage.
“Architecture sets the rhythm and flow of a home… furniture and objects act as quiet layers that add texture, warmth, and personality without overpowering the structure.”
What is one cherished item in your home that holds sentimental value for your family, and why?
The things I love the most are the photos and the artwork our kids have made. They hold different memories and feelings every time I see them and always tell a story. I love that we can take them anywhere we go, because home is really wherever our family is.
